Dragons v Bulldogs preview

v BYE at

Rivals Canterbury and St George Illawarra clash in what shapes a heated battle to consolidate a spot in the Top 8

The Dragons come into this fresh off the bye and a previous four point victory over the understrength Cowboys. That victory was very much built upon their defence, with the Dragons side able to constantly repel a challenging Cowboys outfit. The two points were critically important for the Dragons going into the bye, with the Red V sitting on 14 points and just outside the eight off a poor differential. Just off that, despite their last start effort, the Dragons renowned defence has faced a small decline in 2016. So far, the Dragons have conceded 242 points, an average of 20 points a game. Admittedly, this is the 7th best in the league, and will need to be against what will be a hungry Dogs outfit. The big difference, however, is in their attack. The Dragons have scored a lowly 143 points, the least in the league, and an average of just 12 points a game. This is compounded by the fact they have only managed just 18 line breaks this season. 5 of which have come from fullback Josh Dugan. Unfortunately, Dugan will be missing from their side, with Jason Nightingale filling in, and was very good in his first appearance in the No. 1 jersey against the Cows. With 1 try, 1 line break and 150 running metres, Nightingale will have a strong role if the Dragons emerge victorious.

The Bulldogs, however, have been a tad unlucky in the past two weeks, coming close on both occasions. Will Hopoate starred for the Dogs on Monday night, yet even he could not prevent the Sharks from sneaking home in the last minute. That loss, however, will leave the Dogs even hungrier this week. The Bulldogs possess far superior attack to the Dragons, ranking 5th in the league with 279 points. They have also conceded a respectable 228 points. The Dragons will also need to step up on Monday night and stop the Bulldogs rampaging forwards, with the Dogs ranking 2nd in terms of all running metres with a massive 20,504 this season. A win here would be critical for both sides, with both stuck inside the massive logjam in the middle of the ladder. Both have shown promise this season, but have also not reached massive heights. This game could be a season changer.

Last meeting: Finals Wk 1 2015 - Bulldogs 11 Dragons 10

Who to watch: A key match-up at the back. Nightingale was superb filling in for Dugan, and Hopoate has been a revelation at the back for injured Brett Morris, whom many have even forgotten about, given Hopoate's great form. 'Hoppa' has managed 6 tries in limited appearances this season, whilst Nightingale has 4 to his name. Both are safe under the high ball but also explosive ball runners at time and Hopoate's silky skills may prove vital here.

The favourite: Dogs are well backed here after coming close last week against the Sharks.

My tip: After coming agonisingly close two weeks straight the Bulldogs attack will fire on Monday afternoon and they will claim a much needed win. Bulldogs by 20.

1. Jason Nightingale 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Kurt Mann 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Russell Packer 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Michael Cooper
Interchange: 21. Jack de Belin 15. Will Matthews 16. Siliva Havili 17. Jake Marketo

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 22. Tony Williams 15. Sam Kasiano 16. Tim Browne 17. Craig Garvey

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Bryan Norrie, Steve Chiddy